The Detroit Red Wings are actively pursuing a playoff spot and could become buyers before the March 7 trade deadline. One area they may look to strengthen is their defense, with NHL analyst Tony Wolak of The Hockey Writers linking them to several defensemen, including Alec Martinez of the Chicago Blackhawks. Wolak noted that adding another defenseman could be crucial, especially after an injury to the Red Wings’ defense in December that exposed their vulnerability.
Detroit could approach the deadline in one of two ways: opting for a short-term solution or a long-term investment. A short-term option would involve acquiring a bottom-pairing defenseman, someone like Brian Dumoulin, Josh Mahura, or Martinez. This type of acquisition would likely be low-cost, possibly involving a fourth-round pick or a low-level prospect.
Wolak also mentioned that Martinez, who has playoff experience and veteran leadership, would be a sensible choice. He won two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014 and added another with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Currently playing for Chicago, Martinez has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in 26 games this season.
The need for a defenseman has become more pressing since Jeff Petry was ruled out long-term. Petry has been sidelined since January 2 due to injury, and on February 4, coach Todd McLellan confirmed that Petry underwent surgery and will be out for six to eight weeks. However, rookie Albert Johansson has stepped up in Petry’s absence, earning praise from McLellan for his solid performance. Johansson has played 33 games, recording 1 goal and 4 assists.
The Red Wings are currently on a seven-game winning streak, and since McLellan’s arrival, they have significantly improved. Moritz Seider, a star defenseman for Detroit, expressed the team’s renewed confidence, saying, “Ever since Todd [McLellan] came in, I think we just proved that we’re a good hockey team.” The Red Wings are 28-21-5, holding onto a Wild Card spot and remain determined to push for a playoff berth.
